Gap of Dunloe Tour ( Boat, Bus & Carriage)

First time I have dine this starting with the boats. I was apprehensive about taking this new direction. However, I equally enjoyed both the lake and pony trap. Our boat guide, Dermot was fantastic with giving us information about the lake and the pony guides were, as well.

The views from all along this journey were spectacular. Our boat and carriage guide were both very informative. Unless you can hike miles uphill at a quick pace, get a carriage

Beautiful views, lovely people who tell you about the history of the sites. Would recommend the day trip.

Unnecessary transport cost ,wasted time and money for something you can do yourselves very easily, cheaper and enjoy at your own pace. I'm a seasoned traveller and booked this tour ahead of time thinking to simplify some travel coordination with family during busy holiday. I really thought the convenience would be worth it. We were told pick up and tour START was at 10. We got on a shuttle at a nearby B&B and were driven about 1k closer to where we had just come from where we sat on the bus and waited with no driver or communication for about 40 minutes. instead we could have driven to Kate Kearneys ourselves and enjoyed extra time. We eventually get underway and pickup other travellers near Gap of Dunloe. When we get to Kate Kearneys cottage we were given no communication except to quickly hire and pay for a jaunting cart there. We spoke to 3 driver's who disappeared and waited another 15-20 minutes with no communication on whether we even had transport before being asked to split into two carts at extra cost (50 euro per person,100 euros per cart). No help from the tour to coordinate or barter or even tell us where to wait. The ride through the gap was beautiful but be prepared for your horse to jog/run through if you're on this tour because you're made to think you're on a timeline to get to the other end to meet the boat (not true) When you get to Lord Brandons lunch is not included and you need to have cash only to purchase otherwise you're out of luck. Because of the rush through the gap you have an almost 2 hr wait there before the boat which is lovely in nice weather but would be uncomfortable and cold in anything else. We were told no boats before 2 but find out through another local some boats were leaving early but we had no communication about the option. When it's time to depart there's nothing coordinated you just go up to the dock and hope someone finds you. We waited another 15-20 minutes after departure time to leave. A sprained ankle later we arrived at Ross castle where there was no instruction, sign or anyone to meet us. I had to send family ahead to make sure the bus didn't leave when I couldn't walk to the lot quickly. They had to try to find the bus and driver with no signs or posting. Despite all the waiting around everywhere else, no extra time is given to look around or even sit around Ross. Word to the wise? Drive yourself or get transport to Ross, pay for your own boat tour to Lord Brandons then hire a jaunting cart to Kate Kearneys. From there grab a cab or shuttle back. You'll pay half the price and have more time to do what you want.

Great way to spend a day in Killarney. We walked the gap and it was beautiful. Our boat guide was wonderful and very informative.